Head of a Horse n.d.

This drawing, "Head of a Horse," resides at the Art Institute of Chicago, and was rendered anonymously using reddish-brown chalk. The image is striking because the horse is cropped so closely, filling the frame. This composition, paired with the warm tones of the chalk, evokes an immediate, intimate response. The texture of the chalk gives a soft, almost dreamlike quality to the powerful musculature and features of the animal. Notice how the artist uses line and shadow to define the horse's eye, nostril and jaw. We can see how these elements communicate not just the anatomy of the horse, but perhaps also something of its spirit. It's fascinating to consider how this drawing functions on its own terms, outside of any definitive historical context. The artist presents the horse's head as a study in form, line and expression. Its enduring appeal lies in this careful orchestration of aesthetic elements. It invites continued viewing and contemplation.